The Daily Bucket is a regular series from the Backyard Science group. Here we talk about Mother Nature in all her glory, especially the parts that live nearby. So let us know (as close as you are comfortable) where you are and what's going on around you. What's the weather like? Seen any interesting plants, bugs or critters? Are there birds at your feeders? Deer, foxes or peahens in your yard? Seen any cool rocks or geological features? Post your observations and notes here. And photos. We like lots of photos. :)
Yes, indeed, the dragonflies at the St Pete Arboretum were publicly fornicating. And I got pics. :)
The pond at the Arboretum, chock full of Spatterdock plants. Secretly a den of iniquity....
There were Damselflies.....
And some nice-looking small gold-colored Dragonflies....
And some large blue Dragonflies.
And lying in wait were the male Dragonflies.....
Their eyes constantly scanning....... But they weren't waiting for prey. They were waiting for.......
FEMALES!
In flagrante delicto.
And then the gold-colored Dragonflies joined in too......
Meanwhile, the females who had been previously ravished by the pouncing males were flying over the surface of the pond....
Dropping eggs one at a time onto the plants. But they had to be careful....
Danger lurked in the form of small fishes......
Who happily ate all the eggs they could reach.
And now it is your turn: what's up in your neck of the woods?